Lib Dem Sarah Olney won the seat in December in a campaign which focused on Brexit - the Remain-supporting seat voting to oust Leave-supporting Mr Goldsmith.

But local Tories insist Mr Goldsmith is not a "hardened Brexiteer".

Constituency chairman Georgina Butler said: "We are delighted that Zac Goldsmith has been reselected as the Conservative candidate for Richmond Park and North Kingston in the forthcoming General Election, and we look forward to having him back again as our representative in Parliament.

"After a resounding victory in the 2015 General Election, his absence from Parliament since last December has been a disappointment. He is widely regarded the best MP that Richmond Park and North Kingston has ever had, and we need him back to represent our residents effectively.

"Far from being a hardened Brexiteer as his opponents have painted him, he will fight for the best deal for Britain. He has led on guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and is a champion of strong protection for the environment.

"He will also continue to lead the fight against Heathrow expansion, an issue which continues to concern our residents."

The by-election defeat marked the second setback for Mr Goldsmith within months, after he lost to Sadiq Khan in the 2016 London mayoral election.

That campaign was criticised, even within the Tory Party, for its negative messaging and focus on Mr Khan's Muslim background.

Ms McVey, who represented the Conservatives in Wirral West from 2010 until 2015, has been chosen to contest the Tatton seat following the ex-chancellor's decision to quit Parliament to focus on his other jobs - including editing the London Evening Standard.

Former broadcaster Ms McVey will defend a Tory majority of more than 18,000 in the Cheshire constituency at the General Election on June 8.

Mr Osborne said on Twitter: "Huge congratulations to @EstherMcVey1, new Tatton PPC. A real star. I couldn't have a better successor. A one-woman Northern Powerhouse."